20th Century Fox has just delivered 2015’s first big hit when “Taken 3” muscled in a strong global haul clocking in at $161.8 million to-date.

Variety’s report states that, “Among notable markets, “Taken 3″ pulled in $5.4 million from the United Kingdom, opened with $2.5 million in the Philippines, kicked off with $2.2 million in Russia and debuted to $1.2 million in Spain.”

In the Philippines, showing in more than 200 screens, “Taken 3” grossed a massive Php 107 million during its first five-days since it opened (January 14). Hauling in almost 600,000 admissions nationwide, “Taken 3” has locked itself to be the highest grossing film of the franchise based on its five-day weekend release with the first “Taken” opening at Php 4.7 million and “Taken 2” at Php 65 million.

“Taken 3’s” impressive Phils. box-office records have proven Neeson’s and the franchise’s unwavering commercial box-office appeal as it now stands to be the Biggest Opening Weekend for the year to-date, so far surpassing “Seventh Son’s” Php 37 million opening weekend. Likewise, “Taken 3” cracked box-office records when it landed to be the Second Biggest Opening Weekend for a Fox film, all-time, surpassing “The Wolverine’s” Php 95 million.

Currently tracking higher than estimates, “Taken 3” holds dominance over all other titles that were released the same week as it continues to play in cinemas nationwide.

The world’s well-loved father, Bryan Mills as portrayed by Liam Neeson has charmed the third time with his protective character, unrelenting to use his unique combative skills to save his family at all cost. With “Taken 3’s” novelty action scenes that upped the tempo of the genre, the movie going public flocked to the theatres in droves to check how Mills will once again face his toughest challenge yet to protect his family.

The defining chapter of the franchise, “Taken 3’s” top 20 highest-grossing cinemas are led by Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Trinoma at number one with Php 4.66 million followed by SM Megamall that earned Php 4.21 million. Still among the top earners are SM North Edsa/The Block at third place with P3.82 million succeeded by SM Mall of Asia (P2.67M) and Greenbelt 3 (P2.64M).